A long-awaited independent review into the Wee Waa Health Service has delivered 20 recommendations aimed at ensuring the local community has access to safe and high-quality care.
Commissioned in response to community concerns and led by a panel of experienced health leaders, the review examined service delivery, staffing, models of care, and partnerships in Wee Waa and surrounding areas. It was prompted by workforce shortages in 2023 that led to reduced services and patients being sent to Narrabri.
Member for Barwon Roy Butler, who lobbied for the review and has been campaigning for improved health services for Wee Waa for some time, welcomed the findings and said they marked the beginning of a process to rebuild trust and improve services.
“This report is the diagnosis of the problems, and the upcoming implementation plan will be the treatment,” Mr Butler said.
“I will work with the Minister to ensure that community concerns are dealt with before the Implementation Plan is agreed to.
“The single service model will alleviate recruitment difficulties by offering the scope of practice that nurses are looking for. It also means that a larger range of allied health services will be available to Wee Waa.
“Some language will change, but the patient experience will be largely unchanged. The Wee Waa community has been very patient since May 2023, and I am pleased with the direction this will now go in.”
The report’s 20 recommendations fall under five key themes: models of care, recruitment and retention, community engagement, integrated care and partnerships, and Aboriginal health. One of the first steps in the implementation will be forming a new local health committee, with Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) soon to begin recruiting members.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the review provided a clear path forward and thanked Mr Butler for his advocacy.
“I’m pleased this important work has been completed and provides a clear path forward, and I thank the staff and the local community for their support,” Mr Park said.
“While there is more work to be done, I know we’re on the right track and we would not even be at this point without the strong advocacy from the Member for Barwon Roy Butler.
“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Roy and I look forward to seeing Hunter New England Local Health District work closely with the Wee Waa community as they develop and implement their response to the recommendations.”
HNELHD Chief Executive Tracey McCosker PSM said the review offered a valuable opportunity to improve local health care and committed to transparent community engagement.
“We welcome the recommendations from the review and thank the expert panel for their thoughtful and thorough work,” Ms McCosker said.
“It was workforce challenges that initially led to temporary services changes at Wee Waa Health Service in 2023, but it also highlighted the need to review our models of care and ensure the services we’re delivering are fit for purpose and aligned with community needs.
“Our immediate focus is on recruitment, and we’ll be launching a new campaign shortly. At the same time, we’re beginning planning and community consultation to progress the broader recommendations.
“We’re committed to working closely with the community throughout this process and keeping everyone informed as we move forward.”
Details on how to express interest in joining the local health committee will be shared in the coming weeks.
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